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"I
seized every opportunity to sing and felt God’s calling on my life."
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About Bill Lewis
My
interest in music peaked as a child listening to my parents sing
“specials” in our local Church of God. I accepted Jesus as my Savior
when I was seven. At the age of nine, I sang my first solo with
coaching from the pastor. Soon after that, my Dad relinquished his
old Sears “Silvertone” guitar to my determined attempts to learn how
to play. God blessed me with a natural ear so I quickly learned to
distinguish chords. My siblings and I joined our parents and began
performing as “The Lewis Family” within our local community and
surrounding rural localities until I married in July 1976. “The Lewis
Family” performed in all denominations of churches, tent revivals,
brush harbors, campmeetings, etc. I sang with everyone in the church
that wanted to sing. I seized every opportunity to sing and felt
God’s calling on my life. Additionally, I began teaching Sunday
School at the age of twelve and accepted the position of the church’s
song leader for a number of years.
After marriage, my wife, Linda, and I
accepted the responsibilities of Youth Leaders (music, activities, and
Bible studies). We found the youth to be totally receptive to God’s
message in music and were amazed at how music transcended all
boundaries effectively especially during crucial and difficult growing
periods when teenagers search for their sense of self and discover the
awareness of who they are as children of God.
A little later, I became involved with a
local group, “Martin Hills Trio”, in which I sang lead and played bass
guitar. Sometime around 1983, I started a mixed group, “The Sounds of
Victory” and was blessed with the opportunities to perform nearly
every weekend booking singings in Missouri, eastern Tennessee,
southern and central Illinois, Arkansas, and western Kentucky. The
group disbanded when my job with Schwan’s Sales promoted me to sales
manager and relocated me to Newport News, VA in 1987 from Sikeston,
MO.
There was no doubt God directed my move
to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. It proved challenging in the
field of Southern Gospel music (the kind I’d grown up loving). The
market was more contemporary with few live bands and musicians
available. However, God enabled me to be part of the formation of an
all male trio, “Higher Ground”. We performed mostly original
compositions and toured every available weekend somewhere along the
eastern seaboard.
I devoted several years to singing with
my daughter and son, actively ministering at school functions, local
churches and assisting in the development of their individual
talents. My daughter is now 24 years old and was Miss Virginia,
1999. She competed in the Miss America Pageant 2000 and won the
talent competition. She has been blessed with opportunities to sing
and tour with two gospel groups: “The Singing Carrolls” out of
Roanoke Rapids, NC and “Eternity” out of Austin, TX. My son is 22 and
attends college in Newport News, VA. He has formed his own Christian
rock band, “Blindsight”. They perform all original compositions and
Matt sings lead. Both are blessed with vocal and instrumental talents
and hearts for ministry. They were overachievers all through their
elementary and secondary education, earning various awards and
recognition. They are two of my most priced blessings from God and I
am awed at how God richly enhances their development each and every
day. It was my desire to nurture them specifically in gospel music.
Church has always been an integral part
of my life. I’ve served in a number of capacities including Sunday
School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, Church and Pastor’s
Councils, etc. I have served on the Deacon Board and as Chairman of
the Visitation Committee. I was bestowed the honor of being named the
“Artist in Residence” of First Baptist Church in Newport News.
My lifelong dream is to be a part of gospel music on
a full time basis. After considerable
prayer and discussion with my wife, on February 19th, 2001
I resigned my position as General Manager at Sam’s Club. The last
year has proven to be one of countless memories and God has rewarded
beyond measure. Many doors have opened, and support has been an
outpouring, in some ways I never expected. And now, with another step
of faith, I have resigned altogether from Sam’s effective Thursday,
April 11, 2002. I am endeavoring to book concerts in area churches
and various functions as doors open and respectfully request your
consideration. I am prepared to go wherever God leads. Enclosed you
will find a compact disc. I hope the songs will be a blessing to you
and will encourage you to call me to arrange a concert at your
convenience. Also included is a copy of my latest newsletter and a
business card with the various ways in which you may contact me at any
time. I have also enclosed some personal references and encourage you
to call any or all of them at your leisure. More references can be
supplied upon request. Thank you in advance for consideration. I
look forward to talking with you soon!
Bill Lewis billy.r.lewis@worldnet.att.net
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